Lincoln, Illinois – Central Illinois will enjoy dry skies and rising temperatures through Thursday, but a shift toward stormier conditions is expected as early as Friday evening, with a return to periodic rain and thunder lasting into the weekend.
According to the National Weather Service in Lincoln, highs will peak between 85°F and 90°F today and Thursday, with increasing clouds. By Friday, a 50% chance of showers and storms arrives, continuing into Saturday and Sunday as humidity increases and temperatures remain in the 80s. Storm chances range from 30% to 60% through the weekend, bringing the potential for brief downpours, lightning, and gusty winds.
Residents in Springfield, Bloomington, and Decatur should remain alert for changing conditions late Friday into Saturday. Outdoor plans, especially in parks or near water, may be impacted. Drivers are advised to check for updated alerts before heading out, especially during evening hours when storms could be more active.
This weather pattern shift is typical for mid-June in Illinois, as warmer air from the south clashes with moisture-laden systems moving through the Midwest.
More storm chances are possible into Monday. Another update from the NWS is expected Thursday morning.
🗓️ Five-Day Central Illinois Forecast (Lincoln, Springfield, Bloomington)
- Wednesday: Sunny, increasing clouds. High 85–90°F. Low 65–70°F.
- Thursday: Partly sunny, slight chance of storms (20%). High 85–90°F.
- Friday: Scattered showers/storms (50–60%). High 80–85°F.
- Saturday: Rain/storm chances (50%). High 80–85°F.
- Sunday: Partly cloudy, 30–40% storm chance. High: Low 80s.
- Monday: Storms possible (30%). High 85–90°F.
